How to Fix a Trombone Derby Muter

The bowler hat shape is the inspriation behind the derby mute.

Designed to replicate the look of a gentleman's derby bowler hat, trombone derby mutes were the predecessor of the bucket mute, which debuted in 1922. Made of fiber and aluminum, trombone derby mutes softened the brass instrument's sound and gave the musician the ability to create sound effects. While still available through the company Humes & Berg, derby mutes are generally considered vintage. Now made of synthetic materials, original trombone derby mutes can be repaired if there is a dent or blemish in the aluminum of the hat shape.

Things You'll Need

• Small rubber mallet
• Thin piece of fabric

Instructions

1. Wipe down the mute with a damp rag to clean off any excess dirt. Sometimes a smudge or dirt on aluminum can simulate the appearance of a dent.

2. Place the mute bowler side down. Lay a piece of fabric inside the bowler to protect the aluminum.

3. Knock out the dents out of the mute by gently and steadily tapping each dent with the mallet.

4. Smooth the area around each dent by lightly tapping the aluminum that surrounds each dent.

Tips & Warnings

• If your derby mute comes with a plastic mold, keep the mold so you can push it inside the derby hat to reshape the mute if necessary.

References

• Vintage Mutes: Mute Classifications
• Clinic; General Information on Mutes; Bobby Shew